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Left-Behind Children’s Well-being: A Systematic Review of Parental Migration Impacts Alfiasari, Alfiasari; Wahyuni, Ekawati Sri; Sumarti, Titik; Kolopaking, Lala M.
Journal of Family Sciences Vol. 10 No. 2 (2025): Journal of Family Sciences
Publisher : Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, Faculty of Human Ecology, IPB University

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.29244/jfs.v10i2.65371

Abstract

This systematic review synthesizes evidence from 23 peer-reviewed studies to examine the multidimensional impacts of parental migration on the well-being of left-behind children (LBC). Given the rising global trends in labor migration, understanding its implications on child well-being is crucial for determining child protection frameworks. This review adopted the PRISMA included over 80,000 child participants from studies conducted across Asia, Eastern Europe, and Sub-Saharan Africa. It identified five core domains of child well-being affected by parental absence: psychological-emotional health, social-relational functioning, educational outcomes, physical health, and subjective well-being. Maternal migration, inconsistent caregiving, and weak parent-child communication were consistently associated with poorer emotional security and academic performance outcomes. In contrast, stable caregiving by educated guardians and sustained emotional contact with migrant parents mitigated some negative effects. Mediating factors, such as caregiver quality, peer and school support, and gender dynamics, influenced how children internalize the migration experience. These findings consistently highlighted that the nature and quality of caregiving environments are critical in mediating the developmental risks associated with parental migration. This review underscores the urgent need for migration and welfare policies prioritizing family unity and children’s voices in decision-making.
Co-Authors Adelia Ratih Indrawati, Adelia Ratih Adhelya Putri Amalia Faron, Bekti Amirah, Nurul Amirah, Rizqika Amrullah, Hilma Anita Saufika Annas Dwi Setyarini Aprilia, Nurazizah Arya Hadi Dharmawan Astuti Wulandari Chandriyani Chandriyani Damara Liana Hermawan Damayanti, Adinda Putri Defrianto, Muhammad Diah Krisnatuti Drajat Martianto Dwi Hastuti DWI HASTUTI Dwi Kurniati Putri Ekawati Sri Wahyuni Elmanora Elmanora Euis Sunarti Fatma Putri Sekaring Tyas Feby Sawitri Fitriani Voluntir Hadlirah Aulia Qudsi Handian Purwawangsa Imas Nurjanah Indah Rizky Annisa, Indah Rizky Irni Rahmayani Johan Istiqlaliyah Muflikhati Karina Karina khairunisa, Yasmin Khofifah, Ifa Lala M Kolopaking Laura Florensia Ghozaly Lia Widyanti Lilik Noor Yuliati Malihah, Zahro Mardiana Dwi Puspitasari Meilia Rachmawati Melinda Yani Junianti Melly Latifah Mentari Anugrah Imsa Mohammad Iqbal Irfany Mohammad Nur Indro Nadya Nida Hasanah Naufanni Muthi Aulia Nayla Humaeda Neti Hernawati Ni Made Surianti Novida Nurmayanti Nur Islamiah Nur Islamiah Nur Islamiah, Nur Nurul Utami, Annisa Nurzea Hakiki Oktriyanto Oktriyanto Oktriyanto Oktriyanto, Oktriyanto Puspita Herawati Putri Diah Qashdina Rahayu, Witri Evilia Rahmi Yawmil Fauzi Ramadhanty, Rizki Dwi Retnaningsih Retnaningsih Ria Magdalena Pasaribu, Ria Magdalena Risa Umasyah Risda Rizkillah, Risda Rusni Rahmaisya Salsabila, Syifa Saputri, Dwi Rizky Sari, Sindi Pratika Selinna Sandrinia Zainuddin Septariana , Fannisa Septiraningrum, Sania Suparman, Larisa Hana Gusti Thoyyibah, Kalimah Tiaradiqta Rizky Asharia Putri Titik Sumarti Yulian Hadi Yulina Eva Riany Yulina Eva Riany Yunita Hardian Putri Zahira, Dhia